Police teams investigating the murder of David Read searching an area of land in Blackburn over the weekend.

Forensic teams could be seen scouring and clearing the area of land at the corner of Adelaide Terrace and Preston New Road in Blackburn.

The searches followed police descending on a house in the town last week following reports of a sudden death, which sparked a murder investigation.

Bushes and undergrowth had been removed with police vehicles parked on Adelaide Terrace.

Earlier, police had also been knocking on doors and visiting homes in the area to check CCTV footage.

Officers were called to Leamington Road at 11.38am on Wednesday (June 7) to reports of a sudden death.

Emergency services attended and found the body of 50-year-old David Read.

A post-mortem examination showed he died of multiple injuries.

In a tribute, David’s family said: “David was a lovely caring man and had a strong bond with his parents.

"He was known as the gentle giant and will be sadly missed by his family and friends.”

A 34-year-old man from Blackburn was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday evening and he remains in custody.

Lancashire Police have been granted a warrant of further detention, meaning they now have more time to question him.

Lancashire Telegraph:

The area being searched was already cordoned off due to work beginning at the junction to replace old gas pipes. 

Adelaide Terrace is closed to traffic and three-way temporary traffic lights are in place on Preston New Road and Addison Street.

Speaking last week, Det Chief Inspector Mark Haworth-Oates, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “My thoughts remain with David’s loved ones at this time, I cannot begin to understand the pain they must be feeling at this time.

“While we have now made one arrest our investigation is very much ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who can assist to come forward and speak to us.

“I am still keen to hear from anybody who knew David, particularly if they have had contact with him in recent days or have information that they think may assist our investigation.

“We are also appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious during Tuesday and Wednesday in the Leamington Road area or has CCTV or dashcam footage covering those dates.”

Anyone with information is asked to report it online via  https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/ or call police on 101, quoting log 653 of June 7.